PCR tests for Europe travelers: Cheap, free and way too expensive

Travelling into or across Europe, many travellers over the age of 12 must now be able to prove that they have tested negative, have been vaccinated against the coronavirus or have recovered from an infection.

This compulsory testing (PCR or antigen) for travellers means an additional effort – and usually a more expensive holiday.

For tourists, coronavirus tests are free of charge in only a few countries in Europe, according to an overview of the European Consumer Centre (ECC).

Sometimes even an antigen test can cost well over 100 euros ($118) per person, and while sometimes prices can widely vary within one country, in other cases, prices are still changing, meaning travellers are advised to double-check online before travelling.

European countries and test prices

• Austria: Antigen tests in so-called test streets and pharmacies are also free of charge for tourists. PCR tests on a voluntary basis have to be paid out of one's own pocket. At Vienna Airport, such a test costs 69 euros. The antigen test there is 25 euros.
• Belgium: Tourists pay a maximum of 55 euros ($65) for normal PCR tests, and up to 120 euros for a faster result. Antigen tests also cost a maximum of 120 euros. However, these tests are usually cheaper and cost 55 euros at the airport in Brussels.
• Bulgaria: Tourists pay between 50 and 60 euros on average.
• Croatia: A PCR test costs 65 euros, an antigen test 20 euros.
• Cyprus: In laboratories designated by the Ministry of Health, the PCR test must not cost more than 50 euros and the antigen test must not cost more than 20 euros.
• Czech Republic: The Czech Ministry of Health has set maximum prices for tests: Antigen tests cost the equivalent of a maximum of 7.81 euros, PCR tests 23.99 euros. There is an additional charge of around 7.85 euros for taking the sample.
• Denmark: Coronavirus tests are free for travellers.
• Finland: At Helsinki airport, rapid antigen tests cost 179 euros. Two to four people are charged 149 euros per person, five people or more 135 euros. The PCR test costs 265 euros at the airport, the rapid PCR test 300 euros. Near the airport, private service providers offer tests for a fee, however coronavirus tests there are also anything but cheap.
• France: Tourists pay 43.89 euros for a PCR test and 25 euros for an antigen test.
• Greece: Antigen tests cost on average between 15 and 40 euros, PCR tests between 40 and 70 euros.
• Hungary: The maximum price set by law for a PCR test is the equivalent of about 55 euros. Antigen tests are offered for around 25 euros to just under 41 euros.
• Ireland: Coronavirus tests must be paid for by travellers. A testing center at Dublin airport offers antigen tests for 49 euros and PCR tests for 95 euros (149 euros for faster results).
• Iceland: Tests for tourists are only free on arrival. Those leaving the country pay about 96 euros.
• Italy: The individual regions set the prices. An antigen test costs between 20 and 50 euros, a PCR test between 50 and 120 euros.
• Latvia: At Riga airport, the PCR test costs 25 or 37 euros, depending on the type of test. Antigen tests are 24 euros. Costs at testing centers outside the airport range from 35 to 80 euros.
• Lithuania: PCR tests cost 75 euros, antigen tests 35 euros.
• Luxembourg: Prices depend on the laboratory. At the airport, travellers pay 79 euros for the antigen test and 119 euros for the PCR test. The express PCR test costs 169 euros.
• Malta: Antigen tests are available at the international airport for 35 to 40 euros. An appointment must be made in advance.
• Netherlands: Free tests are currently also available for tourists.
• Norway: Those arriving in the country as air passengers can be tested free of charge. Otherwise, tourists have to pay for tests. The ECC does not give prices.
• Poland: At Warsaw airport, a PCR test costs around 53 euros. Outside the airport, the prices for tests are cheaper.
• Portugal: Prices vary depending on the laboratory and clinic. On average, they range from 25 to 40 euros for the antigen test and 100 to 120 euros for the PCR test.
• Romania: PCR tests cost between 38 and 50 euros, antigen tests between 10 and 15 euros. It gets more expensive at the airport.
• Sweden: Antigen tests are available in pharmacies, for example, but the ECC does not give prices. Antigen and PCR test bookings are offered online at Swedish clinics at prices between 495 and 1,695 kronor (48 to 166 euros).
• Slovakia: Antigen tests cost about 15 euros, PCR tests between 50 and 80 euros.
• Slovenia: Prices vary greatly, according to the ECC.
• Spain: An antigen test costs on average just under 50 euros, a PCR test often less than 100 euros. The airline Vueling offers antigen tests for 35 euros and PCR tests for 85 euros.
• Turkey: In Turkey the price of PCR tests in all private and public hospitals is TL 250 (25 euro).

Holidaymakers should always check their foreign ministry's website for travel guidance on entry requirements at their destination as rules change according to the situation in the current country.